December 13, 2007

AVCS auxiliary hosts annual Breakfast with Santa

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

This year’s season of giving was celebrated at the annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Almaden Golf and Country Club on Dec. 8.

Kids line up to visit jolly St. Nick at AVCS Christmas with Santa. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Presented by the Almaden Valley Counseling Service [AVCS] auxiliary, parents, grandparents and children mark their calendars to attend the sell-out event.

“Breakfast with Santa is always a fabulous success,” said AVCS Director Karen Sumi. “Santa was wonderful with the kids and many who were initially nervous ended up finally sitting on his lap. He has already promised to return for next year!”

“We want to thank our sponsors—A & B Energy Systems, Simonton Impressions, Bloomster’s, Jackie Fahmer and C & D Photography. Their support is critical to the success of the event,” added Sumi.

Co-chairs Mimi Qubain and Debbie Bishop led this year’s AVCS Breakfast for Santa. The two created a holiday wonderland for the kids and their families to enjoy. Qubain even hosted a party on Nov. 30 to raise additional funds for the event. And at Breakfast for Santa they were busy making sure everyone enjoyed themselves.

“There are so many people to thank,” said Qubain. “Bloomster’s for their wonderful centerpieces and Christmas trees. Betty Newkirk, Charlene Chavez, our photographers, all the volunteers, the Almaden Golf and Country Club. There are just so many who help. It’s a great holiday event.”

“I saw Santa and now I’m ready to eat,” says 8-year-old Dallas Morganstern.

Even Santa Claus, who carefully listened to the children’s requests for special gifts while cameras clicked, is a new AVCS auxiliary member. Tom Jacobs has been portraying the world’s greatest gift-giver for 20 years in the Almaden area.

“Tom started being Santa at Los Alamitos and Williams [elementary schools] when our three kids were in school,” said Linda Jacobs. “Zachary was 5 years old, now he’s 25. Tom’s the real McCoy and loves playing Santa. He even grew his beard out once and we tried to dye it white but it didn’t work.”

Jacobs said she and Tom’s middle son saw Santa driving his dad’s truck once and it became a family secret for many years that dad was visiting local schools as Santa. But today, Tom Jacobs’ covert identity is concealed—all the children sitting on his lap believe he’s the real thing and not an AVAC board member.

And it’s not just Almaden residents with their kids who attend to visit Santa and enjoy the breakfast buffet. Holy Spirit School choir sets the holiday mood with renditions of carols as guests come from around the Bay Area to enjoy the festivities.

“I told Santa I wanted a princess talking kitchen and a talking nursery,” said Samantha Collins, 3, with mom Michelle close by. The two drove from Redwood City to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. “He was really nice.”

Heidi Stonehocker from Willow Glen brought her daughters Emma and Hailey dressed in black velvet dresses. Grandmother and Almaden resident Mel Stonehocker invited them for the special occasion and to create holiday memories.

“We’ve been doing this a long time,” said the elder Stonehocker. “It’s a great program for the holidays.”

Another job well done for, from left, AVCS auxiliary President Amy McCafferty, AVCS Director Karen Sumi, AVCS auxiliary co-chairs Mimi Qubain and Debbie Bishop. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

While the children are in awe of Santa at the holiday-festooned Almaden Golf and Country Club, there’s an even more important meaning that parents and volunteers can celebrate. It’s the spirit of giving with all funds from the ticket sales and raffles benefiting the AVCS.

Breakfast with Santa is one of four events that the AVCS auxiliary hosts to raise funds for the 25-year-old counseling center. The AVCS envisions a community where everyone has access to affordable mental health counseling. AVCS is a community-based, nonprofit counseling agency committed to meeting the mental health concerns of all ages with an emphasis on youth. AVCS offers a full range of counseling services, which support and promote personal growth, positive family relationships and emotional wellbeing.

“We’re always very successful,” said AVCS auxiliary President Amy McCafferty. “Our community events always sell out. Many have come before to Christmas with Santa and now bring their grandchildren. We’re always looking for new members and underwriters. AVCS provides service to adults and kids in over 40 zip codes and 19 schools. They are a great help to so many people.”